As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches, Americans remember the day's tragic events. It will be a day of remembrance, but it will also be a day to commemorate those whose lives were lost and the people who risked their lives to help others.
Several organizations across Iowa have announced plans to honor the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks through service and volunteerism by rekindling the spirit of hope and community following that devastating day.
In 2009, the United States Congress passed bipartisan legislation, signed by President Barack Obama, formally recognizing Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Through the nationwide 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, several Iowa communities including Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Lamoni, Ottumwa and Waverly are joining groups around the country planning to commemorate 9/11 with community-based service programs.
9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Iowa events include :
- Central Iowa
o Fire Fest, hosted by the Des Moines Fire Fighters - Local 4
o 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Community Walk, hosted by the Des Moines AmeriCorps Alumni Chapter
o Stand Down Event, hosted by the Veteran's Association of Des Moines
o Film screening of "Beyond Belief," hosted by the Des Moines AmeriCorps Alumni Chapter
o 60 Miles for 60 Cops: Des Moines Police Walk from Principal Park to the Capital, hosted by the Des Moines Police Department
o Remembrance Event at the Central Library, hosted by the City of Des Moines
o 9/11 ceremony, hosted by the Governor's Office
o The Flapjack 5K, 10K and Celebration Stroll, hosted by The Children's Cancer Connection
o Blood drive, hosted by the LifeServe Blood Center
o Community improvement projects in Maxwell, hosted by local Maxwell businesses
- East Central Iowa
o Commemorating 9/11...Ten Years Later, hosted by the Clinton Police and Fire departments
o Stand Down event, hosted by the Veteran's Association of Cedar Rapids
o Community-wide work day in Cedar Rapids, hosted by BRIGHTEN/AmeriCorps VISTA staff
o Honor Their Memory by Being Better Prepared, hosted by the Davenport Volunteer Connection/Mayor's Office
- Northwest Iowa
o Tribute by postcard event for wounded soldiers, hosted by the Siouxland Volunteer Center and RSVP of Woodbury County
- Southeast Iowa
o Postcard thank you drive, hosted by the Wapello County United Way
- Southwest Iowa
o Food/Care package drive, hosted by the City of Lamoni
"Volunteering on Sept. 11 in honor of those who lost their lives and those who responded to the tragedy has become a tradition in Iowa and we are very proud of those who will give their time in service this year," said Adam Lounsbury, executive director of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. "We encourage all Iowans to take time this Sept. 11 to give back to their community like so many others have done in the spirit of this day."
Those interested in participating in one or more of the 9/11 Day of Service events can visit the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service Volunteer Solutions website for more information or to sign up for an event.
For more information on the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, visit www.911day.org to explore and support charitable causes of interest, find volunteer opportunities and post personal good deeds.
The 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance is an initiative led by HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation division of Points of Light Institute and MyGoodDeed in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial, Business Civic Leadership Center, AARP and the Mission Continues.
"Sept. 11 is an extraordinarily powerful motivator for engagement," said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute. "We must use this touchstone to unite and collaborate as never before to demonstrate that service and citizen engagement are essential to meeting the challenges before us."
ABOUT ICVS
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service was formed in 1978 to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and learning. For more information on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and local volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteeriowa.org.
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